Holland America Ready To Restart Alaska Sailings

Holland America Line is planning to restart its cruises to Alaska in July, with roundtrip sailings from Seattle, Washington aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.

The announcement of the restart comes following the passage of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, work with Alaska government officials and recent guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Bookings are open for the 10 Saturday departures that will operate from July 24 through Oct. 2.

The seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” itinerary calls at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan. Scenic cruising in Alaska’s iconic locales includes Glacier Bay and Stephens Passage.

Plans for these cruises to fulfill Holland America Line’s obligations under the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) are expected to be approved, as are final instructions from CDC, and the company is beginning the return-to-cruising preparation process effective immediately.

Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, said: “Holland America Line has been cruising to Alaska for nearly 75 years, and we feel deeply committed to trying to help our friends in ‘The Great Land’ get back on their feet in any way we can this summer.”

Antorcha continued: “Given the recent positive collaboration from the CDC, as well as optimism about a resolution with the PVSA, we feel like it’s now or never to give ourselves a chance to bring cruising back to Alaska this year.”

And HAL’s boss also said: “We would like to offer our sincerest appreciation to Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Congressman Don Young and Governor Mike Dunleavy for their tireless efforts on behalf of the many small businesses that are the backbone of Alaska tourism.”

Sail on over to www.hollandamerica.com for more.